EA Sports released their much anticipated NHL12 today. Reviews and reports of game play/mechanics have been trickling in on my twitetr feed today, some of which I have decided to share. Apparently EA has gotten quite clever with this iteration and the "Be a GM" game mode hides some rather idiosyncratic quirks and pitfalls.

NYI: At random times during the season Alexei Yashin shows up to thank you for the free money. Photo ops with DiPietro in the hospital ensue.

NJD: During the draft, any player that has fallen a few spots will automatically become a great NHL player if chosen by you, but will never make the NHL if chosen by any other team. Also, any trades you make will automatically force the other team's GM to add on a pick or a useful player resulting in you always winning the trade. Cap hits for players are 1/16th of whatever they are earning.

PHX: Your team takes half the time and suffers no ill-effects of travelling on the road, since all players have their suit-case packed and ready to move at all times.

CBJ: At the end of every season a menu pops up and says Rick Nash is requesting a skilled player to play with. Your two options are x (for NO) and O (for NO). In the last year of your contract as GM the club salary must double and result in no change in the standings.

ANA: During off-season you have no choice but to sign Teemu Selanne until he is either 50 years old or drops below a point per game. Also you must sign any players that EDM does not resign.

NSH: Every game goes to a shootout and you lose the game 1-0. If any player on your team who is NOT a defenseman scores a goal they are automatically traded or not resigned. Goalies drafted always have A+ potential.